Latest news with #QE2
The National
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Timeframe: When Queen Elizabeth bade a fond farewell to the QE2 before it headed to Dubai
This month in 2008, Queen Elizabeth II made a last tour of her namesake cruise liner before its retirement in Dubai to become a floating hotel. The queen, who was 82 at the time, visited the QE2 in the port city of Southampton in the UK, her last tour of the historic ship that she launched 39 years earlier in 1969. Her visit coincided with the 55th anniversary of her accession to the throne after the death of her father, King George VI, in 1952. Dressed in a mauve dress with matching coat and a Philip Somerville hat, the queen was escorted by the last captain of the QE2, Ian McNaught. She also unveiled a painting of the vessel by the artist Robert Lloyd and met four crew members who had served on board when the QE2 was used as a troopship during the Falklands War in 1982. The queen then enjoyed lunch with invited guests. For her farewell meal on the QE2, she was served oak-smoked Scottish salmon with sturgeon caviar followed by medallion of beef tenderloin with dome of bitter chocolate mousse for dessert, the Evening Standard reported. Among the 300 guests who attended the royal send-off was former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. "The QE2 has been a symbol of all that is best about Britain," said Carol Marlow, then managing director of owners Cunard, said at the event. "It is the most famous ship afloat but all things move on and the vessel will now be going to Dubai where it will be admired by generations to come." The QE2 was officially retired from active service on November 11, 2008, when it left Southampton docks and set sail for its final journey to Dubai. Demand was so great for the journey to the UAE that tickets sold out in only 36 minutes. The QE2 was fully booked for its final journey from the US, with about 1,800 passengers paying fares ranging from $25,445 for a duplex grand suite with a veranda, to $2,992 for a single room. Its crew of 1,016 included 107 cooks, four fitness instructors, a DJ and 10 gentlemen hosts. In Dubai, a flotilla of 60 naval vessels and private boats met the 70,000-tonne ship in the Arabian Gulf as she arrived in her new home on November 26, 2008. They were led by My Dubai, a mega yacht owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. An Emirates A380 Airbus and a UK Royal Navy helicopter performed a fly-past in honour of the ship's arrival. However, the QE2's new life as a floating hotel would be delayed by the 2008 financial crisis. On April 18, 2018, a new chapter finally began for the world-famous ship. After more than 1,400 voyages and years of rumours about her fate, she opened her doors to a new generation of guests as a floating hotel at Dubai 's Port Rashid. French multinational Accor took over the management in 2022 and announced large-scale upgrades and renovations. There are now 447 rooms and suites available to book, from entry-level cabins to decadent Royal Suites, which have hosted famous faces such as Joan Collins and the late Nelson Mandela. The QE2's origins and adventures, chronicled in books, photos, uniforms and artefacts, are now preserved in the ship's museum called Travellers' Cove.
Web Release
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Queen Elizabeth 2 Enhances its Royal Gallery with Revamped Archival Display Celebrating Visits by Global Dignitaries
The Queen Elizabeth 2, Hotel, one of Dubai's most iconic attractions, and a historic symbol of British maritime excellence, has unveiled a beautifully enhanced Royal Gallery, located in the original 'Queen's Grill Lounge'. This refined space now features a curated display of rare and historically significant photographs, spotlighting decades of Royal visits and encounters aboard the legendary ocean liner. A treasured vessel once synonymous with state visits and royal patronage, the QE2 has hosted some of the most illustrious figures of the 20th century. The newly updated Royal Gallery offers guests a deeper connection to this legacy, with newly restored images that now include Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, His Majesty King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), Her Royal Highness The Princess Anne, and Diana, Princess of Wales among others. Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, said, 'The Queen Elizabeth 2 is a living archive of 20th-century history, diplomacy, and Royal tradition. With the enhancement of the Royal Gallery, we are paying tribute to the moments that shaped the ship's iconic status. Every image displayed is a window into history and a reminder of the QE2's enduring global significance.' To ensure the longevity and clarity of this valuable archive, all photographs have been revamped with UV-resistant printing technology, offering enhanced protection against light exposure while maintaining the authenticity of the original imagery. This significant upgrade not only preserves the collection for future generations but also elevates the visual experience for guests walking through this historically rich corridor. This enhancement is part of a broader initiative to continuously enhance the ship's onboard Heritage experiences, providing guests not only with one-of-a-kind hospitality but also a chance to relive the ship's most majestic moments. The Royal Gallery now serves as a storytelling space, honouring not just Royal personalities, but the powerful presence of the QE2 in world affairs, ceremonial tradition, and royal history. The gallery is open to all hotel guests and Heritage Tour visitors and forms an integral part of the immersive heritage offering aboard the QE2. Heritage Tours Step aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 and explore her storied past through four unique guided tour experiences · QE2 Heritage Tour A classic guided experience taking guests through the ship's most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. · QE2 Heritage Tour for Schools Specially designed for student groups, this educational tour runs on weekday mornings at 8:30 am and 9:30 am, with a maximum of 30 students per session. Advance booking is required. · QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea & Heritage Tour Pair your heritage journey with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen's Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm (last seating at 5:00pm). · QE2 Dine & Discover Combine the Heritage Tour with either a three-course lunch or buffet dinner for a complete culinary and cultural experience aboard Dubai's most iconic vessel. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. For inquiries, please contact us at Phone: +971 4 526 8888 or Email: [email protected]
Travel Daily News
11-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Τhe Queen Elizabeth 2 enriches its heritage attractions
Dubai's QE2 hotel launches new heritage exhibits, offering immersive experiences that celebrate the vessel's historic legacy and maritime grandeur. Τhe Queen Elizabeth 2, one of Dubai's most treasured landmarks and the only floating hotel of its kind in the region, has unveiled two exceptional additions to its onboard heritage experience: QE2 Making Headlines and QE2 Majestic Moments. The launch was officiated by Mark Sawkins, Vice President Operations, Luxury Brands, Accor; and Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel. Set against the backdrop of one of the most storied vessels in the world, these two installations provide guests and visitors with a deeper, more immersive encounter with the history of the QE2, a liner that defined an era of luxury ocean travel and hosted some of the greatest names of the 20th century. Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, stated: 'The QE2 is more than just a ship, it is a floating museum of memories, a vessel of stories that span generations. With these new attractions, we aim to bring our rich legacy to life, from her royal beginnings to her iconic status as a global voyager, in ways that are interactive, educational, and emotionally engaging. Whether you are a maritime enthusiast, a student of history, or a curious traveller, the QE2 offers an experience like no other in the region. With these additions, we invite guests to relive her most iconic moments and celebrate the timeless grandeur of maritime history – right here in the heart of Dubai.' The Queen Elizabeth 2 continues to draw guests from around the world who wish to step into a chapter of history. The new attractions mark the latest milestone in an ongoing effort to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the ship's legacy. QE2 Making Headlines QE2 Making Headlines showcases a priceless collection of original, special edition publications from 1969 highligting the ship's global impact and royal significance from the very beginning. These framed newspapers showcase the global coverage including the fanfare and grandeur that surrounded her maiden voyage. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse into how the Queen Elizabeth 2 was celebrated as a modern marvel, a new era of ocean travel immortalised in print. QE2 Majestic Moments QE2 Majestic Moments is an immersive, multimedia storytelling experience that transports guests through the ship's legendary timeline. Through a curated selection of archival images, rare videos, and historical narratives, this installation brings to life the most iconic milestones in QE2's journey, from royal visits and record-breaking voyages to celebrity guests and world events. Designed as an interactive tribute, it invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the ship's rich past in a way that's both informative and emotionally resonant. It's not just a display, it's a moving portrait of a liner that changed the course of maritime history. The heritage exhibits are now open to all hotel guests as part of the QE2's onboard experience. Guided heritage tours are available daily, offering guests a glimpse into the ship's royal past, its design brilliance, and its legendary voyages across the globe. Heritage Tours Step aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 and explore her storied past through four unique guided tour experiences. QE2 Heritage Tour: A classic guided experience taking guests through the ship's most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. QE2 Heritage Tour for Schools: Specially designed for student groups, this educational tour runs on weekday mornings at 8:30 am and 9:30 am, with a maximum of 30 students per session. Advance booking is required. QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea & Heritage Tour: Pair your heritage journey with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen's Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm (last seating at 5:00pm). QE2 Dine & Discover: Combine the Heritage Tour with either a three-course lunch or buffet dinner for a complete culinary and cultural experience aboard Dubai's most iconic vessel. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Web Release
09-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
QE2 Enriches its Heritage Attractions with Two New Installations
The Queen Elizabeth 2, one of Dubai's most treasured landmarks and the only floating hotel of its kind in the region, has unveiled two exceptional additions to its onboard heritage experience: QE2 Making Headlines and QE2 Majestic Moments. The launch was officiated by Mark Sawkins, Vice President Operations, Luxury Brands, Accor; and Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel. Set against the backdrop of one of the most storied vessels in the world, these two installations provide guests and visitors with a deeper, more immersive encounter with the history of the QE2, a liner that defined an era of luxury ocean travel and hosted some of the greatest names of the 20th century. Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, stated: 'The QE2 is more than just a ship, it is a floating museum of memories, a vessel of stories that span generations. With these new attractions, we aim to bring our rich legacy to life, from her royal beginnings to her iconic status as a global voyager, in ways that are interactive, educational, and emotionally engaging. Whether you are a maritime enthusiast, a student of history, or a curious traveller, the QE2 offers an experience like no other in the region. With these additions, we invite guests to relive her most iconic moments and celebrate the timeless grandeur of maritime history – right here in the heart of Dubai.' The Queen Elizabeth 2 continues to draw guests from around the world who wish to step into a chapter of history. The new attractions mark the latest milestone in an ongoing effort to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the ship's legacy. QE2 Making Headlines QE2 Making Headlines showcases a priceless collection of original, special edition publications from 1969 highligting the ship's global impact and royal significance from the very beginning. These framed newspapers showcase the global coverage including the fanfare and grandeur that surrounded her maiden voyage. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse into how the Queen Elizabeth 2 was celebrated as a modern marvel, a new era of ocean travel immortalised in print. QE2 Majestic Moments QE2 Majestic Moments is an immersive, multimedia storytelling experience that transports guests through the ship's legendary timeline. Through a curated selection of archival images, rare videos, and historical narratives, this installation brings to life the most iconic milestones in QE2's journey, from royal visits and record-breaking voyages to celebrity guests and world events. Designed as an interactive tribute, it invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the ship's rich past in a way that's both informative and emotionally resonant. It's not just a display, it's a moving portrait of a liner that changed the course of maritime history. The heritage exhibits are now open to all hotel guests as part of the QE2's onboard experience. Guided heritage tours are available daily, offering guests a glimpse into the ship's royal past, its design brilliance, and its legendary voyages across the globe. Heritage Tours Step aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 and explore her storied past through four unique guided tour experiences QE2 Heritage Tour A classic guided experience taking guests through the ship's most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. A classic guided experience taking guests through the ship's most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. QE2 Heritage Tour for Schools Specially designed for student groups, this educational tour runs on weekday mornings at 8:30 am and 9:30 am, with a maximum of 30 students per session. Advance booking is required. Specially designed for student groups, this educational tour runs on weekday mornings at 8:30 am and 9:30 am, with a maximum of 30 students per session. Advance booking is required. QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea & Heritage Tour Pair your heritage journey with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen's Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm (last seating at 5:00pm). Pair your heritage journey with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen's Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm (last seating at 5:00pm). QE2 Dine & Discover Combine the Heritage Tour with either a three-course lunch or buffet dinner for a complete culinary and cultural experience aboard Dubai's most iconic vessel. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. For inquiries, please contact us at Phone: +971 4 526 8888 or Email: [email protected]
Al Bawaba
09-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
QE2 Enriches its Heritage Attractions with Two New Installations
The Queen Elizabeth 2, one of Dubai's most treasured landmarks and the only floating hotel of its kind in the region, has unveiled two exceptional additions to its onboard heritage experience: QE2 Making Headlines and QE2 Majestic Moments. The launch was officiated by Mark Sawkins, Vice President Operations, Luxury Brands, Accor; and Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 against the backdrop of one of the most storied vessels in the world, these two installations provide guests and visitors with a deeper, more immersive encounter with the history of the QE2, a liner that defined an era of luxury ocean travel and hosted some of the greatest names of the 20th Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, stated: 'The QE2 is more than just a ship, it is a floating museum of memories, a vessel of stories that span generations. With these new attractions, we aim to bring our rich legacy to life, from her royal beginnings to her iconic status as a global voyager, in ways that are interactive, educational, and emotionally engaging. Whether you are a maritime enthusiast, a student of history, or a curious traveller, the QE2 offers an experience like no other in the region. With these additions, we invite guests to relive her most iconic moments and celebrate the timeless grandeur of maritime history – right here in the heart of Dubai.'The Queen Elizabeth 2 continues to draw guests from around the world who wish to step into a chapter of history. The new attractions mark the latest milestone in an ongoing effort to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the ship's Making HeadlinesQE2 Making Headlines showcases a priceless collection of original, special edition publications from 1969 highligting the ship's global impact and royal significance from the very beginning. These framed newspapers showcase the global coverage including the fanfare and grandeur that surrounded her maiden voyage. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse into how the Queen Elizabeth 2 was celebrated as a modern marvel, a new era of ocean travel immortalised in Majestic MomentsQE2 Majestic Moments is an immersive, multimedia storytelling experience that transports guests through the ship's legendary timeline. Through a curated selection of archival images, rare videos, and historical narratives, this installation brings to life the most iconic milestones in QE2's journey, from royal visits and record-breaking voyages to celebrity guests and world events. Designed as an interactive tribute, it invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the ship's rich past in a way that's both informative and emotionally resonant. It's not just a display, it's a moving portrait of a liner that changed the course of maritime heritage exhibits are now open to all hotel guests as part of the QE2's onboard experience. Guided heritage tours are available daily, offering guests a glimpse into the ship's royal past, its design brilliance, and its legendary voyages across the ToursStep aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 and explore her storied past through four unique guided tour experiences• QE2 Heritage TourA classic guided experience taking guests through the ship's most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.• QE2 Heritage Tour for SchoolsSpecially designed for student groups, this educational tour runs on weekday mornings at 8:30 am and 9:30 am, with a maximum of 30 students per session. Advance booking is required.• QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea & Heritage TourPair your heritage journey with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen's Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm (last seating at 5:00pm).• QE2 Dine & Discover Combine the Heritage Tour with either a three-course lunch or buffet dinner for a complete culinary and cultural experience aboard Dubai's most iconic vessel. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.
